Tuesday on Political Rewind: In their last session, Georgia legislators passed a bipartisan bill to improve access to mental health services. This past week saw further progress with the launch of the 988 phone line, an emergency mental health crisis line, part of a new national network.

The panel: 

Judy Fitzgerald, commissioner, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Monica Johnson, director, Division of Behavioral Health

Riley Bunch, @ribunchreports, public policy reporter, GPB News

Tamar Hallerman, @TamarHallerman, senior reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction

1:15 - Rep. Jody Hice has been issued a subpoena by the Fulton County special grand jury.

5:00 - Georgia has significantly expanded its mental health services since the end of the legislature.

13:00 - Police often are not equipped to respond to mental health emergencies. New mental health service delivery programs like the 988 phone line look to close the gap in response.

28:00 - Nationwide, those experiencing mental health crises can dial 988.

38:00 - In the face of staffing issues, incentives for state employees increase employment in health care offices.

44:00 - Rural, agriculture, and minority communities face increased risk of suicide and opioid overdose.

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